For the Philadelphia Eagles, this rookie class is as diverse as any in recent memory.
A human skyscraper of an offensive tackle, a dynamic but raw QB, two defenders who've never played a single snap of football - this group's got a little bit of everything. And in the Eagles' preseason opener with the Baltimore Ravens, some rose to the occasion, while others fell flat in their introduction to live NFL game action.
We're handing out grades, by round, for each of the Birds rookies:
Eagles rookie report card from preseason opener against Ravens
Makai Lemon, WR - First Round
Still nursing a hamstring injury, Lemon didn't suit up in this one. With a new offense, a new need at wideout sans A.J. Brown, and great expectations given his first-round status, his extended absence continues to generate growing concern.
Grade: Incomplete
Eli Stowers, TE - Second Round
Folks didn't expect Stowers to set the world ablaze right out of the gates, but his debut was a definite dud. Yes, his athleticism is elite, as shown by his work at Vanderbilt and the NFL Combine, but it didn't shine through in this affair.
Stowers (three catches, 12 yards) was relatively quiet in the passing phase, and he wasted no time reminding everyone of his fatal flaw. On the very first play from scrimmage, he was called for holding, and his blocking was underwhelming throughout the evening. It was a troubling first play for Stowers, who arrived with tons of questions surrounding his blocking ability. If he's going to make an impact and unlock his full potential eventually, he must make significant strides as a blocker.
Grade: D
Markel Bell, OT - Third Round
The human skyscraper has been standing out throughout his first training camp, and his strong debut versus the Ravens led this rookie class. Bell looked confident, in control, and yes, simply massive, in both the run game and in pass protection at tackle. Sure, it's just one game, and a preseason contest at that, but all indications thus far point to a bright future in Philadelphia for Bell.
Grade: A
Cole Payton, QB - Fifth Round
Payton exhibited the athletic ability that made him such an intriguing roll of the dice for Howie Roseman this past draft. He made some nice plays, finishing with four completions for 37 yards and the only passing TD of the night for the Eagles, along with three rushes for 45 yards. He's got a ways to go in his overall development, but it was a promising debut under center.
Grade: B
Micah Morris, OG - Sixth Round
The Georgia rookie held the fort down, showing strength and consistency in both his run blocking and pass pro for the offense. Morris has operated mostly in the shadows of fellow rookie lineman Bell in this rookie group, but he's quietly been a steady performer from day one of training camp up, and he put forth an impressive debut.
Grade: B+
Uar Bernard, DT - Seventh Round
In his first-ever live gameplay, Bernard didn't look lost. That in itself is quite an accomplishment, as a rookie who has never taken a single snap in a football game at any level did so in an NFL preseason game. He's got so much development yet to take place, but he flashed a bit in standing strong in the face of a few run plays.
Grade: C+
Other rookies:
Maximus Pulley (Safety - B) and Kapena Gushiken (Safety - B) continue to show that they're both steady safeties with legit upside to stick on this roster. Their solid work in training camp surfaced here in their first live NFL game action.
While Pulley did well operating at both safety spots, Gushiken flashed another feather in his cap in producing quality snaps at safety, while also playing sound football in the slot. These guys don't get much attention, but this group of Eagles rookies has been consistent and fully capable since arriving in Philadelphia. It was apparent in their respective debuts.
In the front seven, Joshua Weru (EDGE - C+) made his live debut on the gridiron, and he notched a pair of pressures at edge. While he looked a bit out of sorts at times, it's to be expected at this juncture. He's making serious strides in practice, and his game-day performance should strengthen moving forward.
Read more: Eagles rookie relishes first-ever taste of game action against Ravens
David Blay Jr. (DL - C) and Zion Wilson (DL - D) are competing for a depth spot on the interior, and while Blay Jr. flashed a bit of promise in the pass rush phase, both rookie defensive linemen need to show tangible improvement moving forward.
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